FishProfiles.com Message Forums

Well, I've bought numerous used tanks and equipment over the years. Most have turned out great (I just purchased a 55 gallon with stand and all equipment a week ago and no problems whatsoever with any of it), but occassionally you end up with a lemon. However, I've been talking with a gentleman about several tanks as noted in his comments below. What do you all think? Worth the risk or not?

150 gallon (72" long x 24" wide x 20" high) It comes with the stand, and a partial top (3 strip lights, plus three panes of custom cut glass tops) You would need to get 3 panes to replace the parts that flip up for feeding/cleaning ect. They got broken during my last move. The tank is by Perfecto and has a tempered glass bottom. It is drilled for a trickle filter, and I will include the filter, and two 300 watt Visi-therm heaters. I made the filter from a 29 gallon tank, and while the whole thing looks homemade, it works like a champ, and has the added bonus of not back-flowing if the power goes out. Everything is in used but not abused condition. I did add some plywood to the bottom of the stand (also by Perfecto) for the 29 gal. filter, and had to cut about 1" off one of the supports in order to get the 29 gal. in.

Next up is a 20 gal. long. It includeds the tank, top, light and filter. I can't remember the brand name, but I used it as my quarentine tank.

Next is a 45 long All Glass tank. It has the top and lights with it.

All tanks have had their backs painted black, and are in good shape. They all used to be part of my fish room when I was single, but family life and work have conspired to keep me from setting everything up again ;0)

I need to clear all of this stuff out, so I'm willing to let it go cheap..... like $200 for all of it

Jim

---

Water, taken in moderation, cannot hurt anybody. -- Mark Twain

If I was in a position to collect tanks I would definately go for that deal!
Naturally get a good look at the tanks etc before money changes hands but yeah, sounds good to me.

---

Before you criticize someone walk a mile in their shoes. That way you're a mile away and you have their shoes.

Sounds like a great deal as i paid $400 for my 55g and stand second hand however the part that worries me is

and while the whole thing looks homemade

im with lindy.. check out what it looks like before money exchanges hands and deals are made!

---

Truth doesn't always win friends but it influences them

If I had the money I might go for something like that. Sounds like the guy might have known what he was doing. Maybe you could just put water in it and see it work before you buy.

I'd definitely see if you can fill it up and run it before being stuck with it. Otherwise it looks worth the risk to me.

I think I'd go for it. For ~$200, even if you have to throw out some of the stuff, it's still a good deal. Hell, if you have to throw out everything but the 150 gal tank, it's still a damn good deal. It might require some clean up and a few handyman fixes on your part, but I'd go for it.

Is this stuff you can pick up locally, or will there be potential shipping or transportation issues?

Hoping that there must be a word for everything I mean...

No shipping involved. I do have to travel about 300 miles to pick it up, but that is being coordinated with a trip I'm taking anyway to where this gentleman lives to see my daughter's graduation from college.

Jim

---

Water, taken in moderation, cannot hurt anybody. -- Mark Twain

I think he meant the filter looks homemade. Did he say it was enclosed in the stand? Id go for it the worst thing that could happen is the 150 leaks. Even if it does $200 is a steal for everything else. Go for it.

20 Gallon Long:
Aquaclear 300
2 Bolivian Rams, Mikrogeophagus altispinosus: Gumby and Pokey

He's sending me photo scans as soon as he can upload onto his computer so I will have a better idea of what it all looks like. Said he had photos of when it was all set up and operating, and I agree he was talking about the trickle filter looking homemade which I'm sure not concerned about. I'm probably going to get it all, as I've been in the market for a 150 gallon or larger tank and for the low cost it's a risk I'm willing to take.

Like I said I just bought a used 55 gallon with stand and all equipment and I paid $150 for that, so why not???

Jim

---

Water, taken in moderation, cannot hurt anybody. -- Mark Twain

Go for it, and keep us posted.